When Installing A Newer Kernel...

Check the file 'Documentation/Changes' in the source directory, for
packages that might need upgrading before booting
the new kernel.

Don't configure the new kernel from scratch - copy your previous kernel's
'.config' file to the new kernel's source directory, and run
make oldconfig - you will only need to answer
questions about new features.

If you used a distribution's kernel previously, it normally has a config
file matching the installed kernel.